Uncontrolled Desires
Uncontrolled desires quietly shape the heart and pull trust away from God. Jesus invites us into freedom through renewed desires and Spirit-led transformation.
SINS OF UNBELIEF
Self-Salvation & Self-Reliance
There’s something powerful about taking responsibility, pushing forward, and working hard to fix your life — but sometimes that inner drive can shift from diligence to dependence on yourself instead of God. Self-reliance and the idea that you must save yourself — spiritually, emotionally, or practically — can leave you exhausted, anxious, or worn down by trying to carry burdens God never meant for you to shoulder alone. When you rely primarily on your own strength, wisdom, or plans, you miss out on the peace that comes from trusting in the One who holds you.
Spiritually, self-salvation and self-reliance subtly shift your trust from God to your own efforts. You may find yourself trying to earn acceptance, reconcile your mistakes on your own terms, or build a life where nothing ever breaks or hurts — but this approach ultimately leads to burnout instead of freedom. The gospel doesn’t call you to self-fixing; it calls you to rest in Jesus, who saves you by grace through faith, carries your burdens, and invites you to walk with Him. In Him, you discover a strength that doesn’t depend on your performance but on His faithfulness.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
— Ephesians 2:8–9
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
— Galatians 2:16
Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
— Titus 3:5
GET HOPE & HELP
Resources for Helping with True Salvation & Dependance on God
Can I Focus Too Much on Myself for Assurance of Salvation?
A Desiring God interview with John Piper about whether focusing too much on ourselves can undermine assurance of salvation and...
Grace
A BibleProject video exploring what it means for God to be gracious, looking at the biblical concept of grace and...
What is the Definition of Grace? (According to Scripture)
A BibleProject article explaining the biblical meaning of God’s grace as His generous, undeserved favor and goodness toward humanity.
NEXT STEPS
If you’ve ever felt like you have to fix your life by your own effort, like you must earn acceptance, or like God isn’t enough on your own, you’re not alone. These next steps are designed to help you turn toward Jesus and find peace, trust, and freedom in Him — not in your own strength.
Repent
Repentance is more than regret—it’s a turning of the heart toward God. By naming sin honestly and choosing a new direction of obedience, we step out of hiding and into the grace, freedom, and transformation Jesus offers.
Know Jesus
Jesus isn’t just a religious figure—He’s the Savior who invites you into real life with God. Explore who He is, what He offers, and the next steps you can take to know Him personally.
Get Baptized
Baptism is an outward expression of an inward transformation. It’s a public declaration that you have decided to follow Jesus and want to live for Him. At Sonrise, we celebrate baptisms as a church family, standing with you as you take this powerful step of obedience and faith.
Follow Jesus
Following Jesus means taking your next step with Him in real life. Find practical ways to grow through faith, spiritual practices, community, and everyday life.
NEED HELP?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to begin, we’d love to walk with you.
Fill out the form below and a trusted member of our team will reach out to listen, pray, and help you take a wise next step.
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Status & Success
A look at how achievement and recognition can begin to define identity and worth, and how the gospel invites us to rest in who we are in Christ, not what we accomplish.
Sins of Material Commission
When our choices harm others through greed, dishonesty, or exploitation, this page explores how those actions affect the heart — and how Jesus offers forgiveness, restoration, and a better way forward.
AN INVITATION TO JOIN US AT SONRISE
At Sonrise Church, we believe real life change happens when people encounter Jesus, walk in truth, and grow together in community. You are welcome here—no matter your past, your struggles, or where you’re starting from. Join us this Sunday to take your next step toward freedom and formation with us. Jesus changes everything.
Sonrise Church
Service Times:
- Sunday : 9:00 AM (1st Service)
- Sunday : 10:40 AM (2nd Service)
At Sonrise Church in Santee, CA, we understand how tempting it can be to rely on yourself — to try to save your relationships, your reputation, or your sense of worth without help. In East County San Diego, many people wrestle with the pressure to perform, earn acceptance, and control outcomes on their own. Sonrise Church offers compassionate teaching and community rooted in Scripture that helps you move from self-reliance toward resting in God’s grace, strength, and companionship.
In Santee, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lakeside, our church family gathers to encourage one another in letting go of the burden of self-fixing and embracing the life Jesus offers — a life marked by trust, surrender, and peace that doesn’t depend on you having all the answers. Jesus invites you into a relationship where you’re cared for, not critiqued; carried, not controlled by fear or performance. If you’re longing for freedom from trying to save yourself and want to grow in trusting God’s provision and grace, Sonrise Church in East County San Diego is a place to take your next steps with others on the same faith journey.
Come discover how the gospel reshapes your heart toward trust, rest, and reliance on Christ alone.